"I am really looking forward to this race," said Smirl of Oak Park. "This boat (Defiance) is fast all the time, especially upwind. This is a totally different boat; we're all honored to be on it."

Saturday was the start of the 102nd Mac, the largest freshwater contest in the world. The 333-mile course, with 375 boats and 3,500 mariners, embodies the best of competition which is why people return annually for the mid-summer classic.

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The Defiance, led by Oak Park skipper Dale Smirl, was set to compete in the 33rd Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac starting on July 24.

"It's always a challenge," said Smirl, whose first Mac was in 1977. His top finish was fifth in 2006. "I tell myself I'll do better every year."

Growing up on a 300-acre farm in downstate Carlinville, Smirl attended Illinois Wesleyan and became a Methodist minister after getting bachelor of arts from Northwestern University's theological seminary.

As a minister in Flanagan, Ill., from 1966-68, Smirl got his sailing baptism on Lake Bloomington. After graduating Loyola Law School in 1971, he lived in Chicago before moving to Oak Park in 1978.

While The Mac is littered with seasoned sailors, if your boat isn't built and equipped with superior technology, it's difficult to challenge the elite.

Completed in 2002, Defiance sailed two Macs, finishing third in their section last year and second in the Port Huron to Mackinac. Owned by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for three years, the boat has a sponsor each season that allows for sailing privileges. Four students and their teacher from the school will also be part of the crew. In August, Smirl hopes to be in position to purchase the 66-footer.

Getting acquainted with Defiance since the end of spring, Smirl and crew are aware of her many assets. A 95-foot mast and 12-foot keel with a 9,000-pound bulb. Three coffee grinders are each manned by a crew of two. Winches and shrouds are made of carbon fiber. The spinnaker has 4,000 square feet and the main is 1,500 square feet. Only five sails are allowed in The Mac although Defiance is armed with 39.

Besides the Mac, they'll race at Port Huron in Detroit and conclude with a 100-mile race around Door County, Wis.

Spending considerable time at the helm will be second in command, Bob Warnecke and Tom Edman.

"When you're reaching or going upwind, it's a different animal," said Warnecke. "You can just feel the power of the rig."

According to Warnecke, the first 18 hours sets the pace for the course.

"Getting out in front (by Sunday morning) is key," said Warnecke.

Smirl added, "The first night is important, but the last 40 miles is where the race is won and lost. I've seen boats with a lead at the (Mackinac) bridge that end up losing."

Four watches with five people going five hours at a time, makes for a contest between each group.

"There's always a rivalry to see which watch put on the most miles," Warnecke stated. "You'll hear someone say, 'What happened? You only put on five miles? Were you going backwards?"

Bucolic sites, fierce competition and ever-changing weather are part of the Mac's allure.

"We always look for the northern lights, the sand dunes at Michigan, the old lighthouses, the sun coming up in the morning, going past the Manitou (Islands), Grays Reef and under the (Mackinac) bridge," said Smirl. "Everyone races as hard as they can, but the camaraderie you develop through the race is great."